Medical Math

84 Pages·2017·1.62 MB·English

by  Rebecca Martinson

Medical Math
Medical Math
• Mathematics is a vital skill in everyday life. It is
important for everyone to learn basic
mathematic functions. Using mathematics
makes daily activities easier and more
efficient.
Whiners gonna Whine
• But, I thought we don’t get a math credit!
– You don’t. Or else we would be doing math every day.
You DO get Allied Health college credits in Medical
Dialogue. Part of Medical dialogue is medical math…
so…..
• But I’m BAD at math!
– No you aren’t. You’ve been TOLD you are bad at
math, either by someone else, or by yourself! Maybe
if there is a point to the problem, you will do well.
• Do we really have to do math to work in Health
Care?
– Yes, we do. Every. Single. Day.
Math Anxiety
• Many students become nervous when they
hear the word "math." This worried feeling is
called math anxiety.
• Because mathematics is important to all areas
of life, it is important for students to
overcome math anxiety.
Overcoming Math Anxiety
• Before learning new material, mentally assess
what you already know about the topic. The
best learning takes place when you participate
and engage your mind.
• Take notes during class so that you will
remember important concepts.
Medical Mathematics
• Health care workers must have mathematical
skills to perform their daily duties. Examples of
mathematics in health care include:
• Calculating medical dosages
• Reading prescriptions
• Analyzing test results
• Weighing and measuring patients
• Taking temperatures
• Determining concentration levels
• Billing and record-keeping
• A numerical system is an organized method of
counting. Numerical systems have existed
since the beginning of civilization. The most
common numerical system is the Hindu-Arabic
system. This system uses a set of 10 digits, 0
through 9, to create specific values.
• The Roman numeral system is a numerical system that was
developed over 3,000 years ago. This system uses seven letters to
express certain values.
• I = 1
• V = 5
• X = 10
• L = 50
• C = 100
• D = 500
• M = 1000
• When arranged in specific orders, these seven letters can express
any numerical value. Roman numerals are often used in health care
for medications, solutions, and even filing.
Rules for Roman Numerals
• If a smaller numeral is placed in front of a larger numeral, the smaller numeral is subtracted from
the larger numeral.
• IV = 5 - 1 = 4
• IX = 10 - 1 = 9
• XC = 100 - 10 = 90

• If a smaller numeral is placed behind a larger numeral, the smaller numeral is added to the larger
numeral.
• VI = 5 + 1 = 6
• XI = 10 + 1 = 11
• CXV = 100 + 10 + 5 = 115

• If the same numeral is placed next to itself, the numerals are added together.
• II = 1 + 1 = 2
• XXI = 10 + 10 + 1 = 21
• MMV = 1000 + 1000 + 5 = 2005
• The same numeral should not be placed next to itself more than three times.
• IIII does not equal 4. Instead, IV = 4.
• XXXX does not equal 40. Instead, XL = 40.
Rules for subtracting Roman Numerals
• Use the following rules when subtracting to create values in the
Roman numeral system:
• Subtract only powers of 10, such as I (1), X (10), or C (100). Never
subtract V (5), L (50), or D (500).
• VL does not equal 45. Instead, XLV = 40 + 5 = 45.
• LD does not equal 450. Instead, CDL = 400 + 50 = 450.
• Subtract only one number from another.
• IIX does not equal 8. Instead, VIII = 8.
• LIIV does not equal 53. Instead, LIII = 53.
• Do not subtract a number from another that is more than 10
times greater.
• IC does not equal 99. Instead, XCIX = 90 + 9 = 99.
• XD does not equal 490. Instead, CDXC = 400 + 90 = 490